The Harman Drive club were relegated for the first time in their history in 2012, but made an immediate recovery to secure promotion last year as Division Two runners-up.

And Fosbraey – who returned to Brondesbury for his second spell as captain last season – feels the club are now in better shape to compete in the top flight after the shake-up that followed their demotion.

“A lot of good things came out of that,” said Fosbraey. “The committee have been more proactive and we brought in some younger people and rebuilt.

“Now they’re a year older and more confident and we’ve added some experience. Pretty much everyone from last year has stayed and that’s a good sign that you’re doing the right things.

Fosbraey added: “It’ll be interesting to see how we shape up. Last year the Premier Division looked a decent league but outside of the top four, I don’t think there was anything we couldn’t have dealt with.

“Hampstead had a great season last year and they are definitely a side we’re looking forward to playing again, to see if we can try and get back on an even keel with them.

“I don’t doubt they’ll be strong again and I think Ealing and Teddington will be up there as well, but I’d like to think we’ve got a good chance of competing with the rest.”

Brondesbury’s batting line-up remains unchanged from last season, with James Overy, Hugh Gimber and Simon Butler expected to churn out runs at the top of the order.

They have also signed seamers Tom Kopelman and Palash Joshi, from Winchmore Hill and Eastcote respectively, as well as Australian all-rounder Chris Blake from Southgate.

Blake, who will qualify as an English player in 2015, replaces Dave Miller in the overseas slot, while the spin department has gained a significant boost with the signing of Middlesex left-armer Ravi Patel.

“We’re hoping Ravi will play a bit – he should definitely be available for the early games,” added Fosbraey. “Jamie’s a good prospect as well and I think we’ll certainly bowl a few sides out this year.”

Head coach Peter Breen says Hampstead have been driven on to improve by Belsize Park’s progress, and he believes a new local rivalry will help to get the best out of his side as the two clubs prepare to meet in Saturday’s derby clash.

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